Program helping neglected dogs

There is no shortage of sad dog stories in the Northwest Territories, but HEART dog rescue is working very hard to give Marley’s the happiest of endings.

Marley and her 8-week-old littermates were taken from a neglectful property in Hay River, where the owner hadn’t even noticed that her leg had been broken, twice.

By the time she came into caring hands, her breaks had healed and realignment surgery was dismissed as too painful, complicated and with little guarantee of success.

Marley is going to need an amputation. Enter Helga Brink, a German ex-patriot with a diploma in homeopathic animal medicine.

Earlier this year, Brink drove to Rossland from her Shuswap home to meet, and subsequently adopt, Marley’s brother.

A week later, HEART received an email from Brink:

“I can’t stop thinking about little Marley. Is there something I can do to help fundraise for her surgery? I’d be happy to come back out to the Kootenays.”

And on Saturday, Aug. 27, she will do just that. Brink will be hosting a holistic animal care seminar at Barks n Rec in Trail, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It will be a highly informative, hands-on event, where dog lovers can learn how to recognize the symptoms of various ailments, and treat many of them with natural remedies.

Donations of $10 are suggested, with all of the money raised going to pay for Marley’s surgery.

The outpouring of support for Marley has been amazing.

Her foster, Glenda Harris in Nelson, has offered to hold onto the little girl for as long as necessary, has selflessly ferried her to countless veterinary appointments, and worked to increase her exposure in the community.

A team of local veterinarians, including Dr. Fraser of Arrow Lakes Veterinary in Castlegar, and Dr. Simm of Kettle River Veterinary in Grand Forks, have been collaborating to ensure the best help possible for their tiny patient.

Several individuals have also donated generously to Marley’s medical fund.

HEART is hoping for a great turn-out at Saturday’s seminar; it promises to be highly informative, with a take-home information booklet and extensive question & answer period.

The organization is also still waiting for a great adoptive home for Marley, once she has recovered from her procedures.

If you would like to make a donation to HEART, help by fostering a dog or puppy, or apply to adopt a rescue, you can email heartdogrescue@gmail.com.

Current HEART adoptable dogs, and more information on the local rescue group, visit their website: www.heartdogrescue.com.